Mindfulness – Where The Body Mind Comes Together

We all find ourselves distracted with the chatter of the mind.

More and more people are embracing mindfulness which simply put is being present. Present in the here and now, aware of our thoughts, aware of the space around us and in the moment.

I have spent many years sitting in the quiet and attended numerous silent retreats – Vipassana being one of them.

Today I still investigate thoughts and where they take us. Our thoughts definitely take us away from the present moment. We are often in our heads creating stories with our thoughts. While doing this we are using energy creating scenarios that may never happen and that in itself takes us away from what is present.

In the moment we are able to experience what is in front of our eyes and in our heart. When you are truly present and able to stop the stories that are going around in your head, you may find peace. Imagine no mind chatter. If you can stop your thoughts for a moment by shifting your attention to your breath and allow yourself some time with the breath, you will find a moment of stillness. For me, when I am aware that my mind is off with the chatter and I am not present I use the word stop, and repeat this a few times as a mantra. This helps me to come away from the chatter of my mind and be more present and more mindful. As I get to experience the present moment I often find myself smiling, touched by grace. To be present allows us to feel part of everything. We can truly learn to listen when we are present without the chatter.

Many days, on my morning walks I am taken to such a happy place when I am able to be totally in the moment, present to what is around me. It may be a single flower, or the sound of a bird that makes my heart sing in those moments of being mindful and present. I know if I was bogged down with the mind chatter I would miss the beauty of what is presented to me daily. As I walk I focus on the breath by shifting my attention from my thoughts to my breath and my every step. It is then that I feel connected to all that is around me. Being present lightens the heart, frees the mind and takes us to a place of peace.

So why the importance of being present?

Simply less stress in your daily life, more joy and happier moments.

Give yourself the opportunity to practise mindfulness, over time and with practise it will be easier; as easy as checking in and knowing you are with the thoughts. Like the seeds in the garden as we water and nurture them they grow. May your mindfulness grow.

As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote in his book True Love.

“Between the mind and the body, there is something that can serve as a bridge. The moment you begin to practice mindful breathing, your body and your mind begin to come together with one another. It takes only ten to twenty seconds to accomplish this miracle called oneness of the body and mind. With mindful breathing, you can bring the body and mind together in the present moment, anyone of us can do it, even a child.

Blessings Marilyn xo